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OPINION

Rescue the land and water fund in D.C.

GreatFalls
Published 5:51 p.m. MT Oct. 11, 2015

Jim Klug of Bozeman has served as chairman of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

Montana was dealt a blow by a small group of shortsighted, extreme members of the 114th U.S. Congress recently. All of us who care about our economy, the strength of our businesses and access to our lands, waters and wildlife here in Montana and throughout our country were effected.

After 50 years of proven success, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) expired, as some members of Congress let the fund sunset during this week’s last-minute budget negotiations. They did not shut down the government, but they did shut down the most successful conservation and recreation program in our nation’s history. This program, LWCF, did not cost taxpayers one cent. A program of which Montana was one of the largest economic beneficiaries. Now, unless the fund is revived, access to fishing, hunting, recreation and protection of our lands, waters and wildlife is at risk.

It is important to remember that we all benefit from this fund, which is generated from revenue of offshore oil leases — not from taxpayers. Therefore, reviving the LWCF is not just possible, but something that must be done quickly, and with intention.

LWCF has gathered partners and collaborative efforts here at home, and across the nation. In Montana, an array of people who historically have often disagreed have come forward to support LWCF. From livestock producers in Ovando to river guides in West Glacier to apparel manufacturers in Bozeman, we all came together as Montana residents and business owners to protect our most productive asset: our land and our access to it. And we aren’t the only ones. Parents, doctors, teachers and our retired community members who want to hike, play soccer, bird watch and enjoy the ability to access what we all love about Montana stood with us. Yet, our voices were not heard.

Where do we go from here? The late Yogi Berra said it best: It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Ryan Zinke have all supported LWCF and the permanent re-authorization of the fund, and for that, Montanans are appreciative. Even still, more work needs to be done to secure the future of a program that is so vital to the economic health and vitality of our state. There is still time. Montanans implore you all to continue to work together and to work across party lines in D.C. to secure support from your colleagues across our nation. There is an opportunity to see the LWCF attached to other legislation this fall.

The consequences of delay on this issue are unacceptable and unavoidable. Until the certainty of a dedicated funding program for the great outdoors returns, people who rely on LWCF are unable to plan future projects — including increasing public lands access, keeping private timber and ranch land in production, and providing playgrounds, ball fields, fishing access sites and swimming pools for Montana’s communities.

As a sportman and a businessman who relies on access to our state’s waterways, I feel strongly we cannot allow a program to sunset that has funded three-quarters of the fishing access sites in Montana. Tourism and our outdoor amenities are leading our state’s economy. We cannot allow our outdoor heritage and quality of life to take a back seat to D.C. politics.